Three killed in explosion inside combat vehicle at military range in Khabarovsk

A commission is currently investigating the causes and circumstances of the incident

KHABAROVSK, January 31. /ITAR-TASS/. An explosion of ammunition inside a tank occurred on Friday at a combined-arms range at Knyaze-Volkonskoye, Khabarovsk Territory, an official at the Russian Defense Ministry press-service and information department reported.

At present, a commission is at work at the scene under the direction of the Commander of troops of the Eastern Military District to find out the causes and circumstances of the incident.

Three servicemen, one of them an officer, were killed in the explosion. It has been tentatively established that prior to the training exercise, a unit commission had inspected the condition of the vehicle, armament, and ammunition. The tank crew had been cleared for the conduct of firings.

Right before the accomplishment of the exercise (firing from tank gun), the tank crew commander reported readiness to act.